Sleepwalking to Catastrophe? The Origins of the First World War
Choose a starting date
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 23 Sep 2025End Date: 28 Oct 2025Tue (Evening): 19:30 - 21:00OnlineFull fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £97.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
The long- and short-term factors that preceded and led to the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914.
What will we cover?
The course will be broken down into the following key topics:
The Alliance System of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries
The Growth of Militarism and Armaments across Europe between 1871 and 1914
The Domestic Political Situation of the major European Nations
The Imperial Rivalries, the Growth of Germany in this area
The International Economy
The Mood of 1914 and the July Crisis, 1914.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
By the end of this course you will have an understanding of the various factors that led to the outbreak of the biggest conflict that the world had seen to that point. Unlike the majority of the wars that have been fought throughout history, the factors that led to the outbreak of the First World War are still hotly contested by historians. This course will give learners a insight into why there is still a lack of agreement between historians and how the origins of the First World War have been utilised for political purposes throughout the twentieth and into the twenty-first centuries.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an entry level course and does not require any particular skills to undertake. An open mind and willingness to engage respectfully in class discussion and debate.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This course will be taught online through Zoom and there will be a set reading and primary document to read through prior to each weeks’ session.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
HWH41 Hidden Histories of World War 1
Other courses in British and European history. Pleasse see the City Lit website.
Dr Matthew Powell is a Teaching Fellow in Air Power and Strategic Studies at the Royal Air Force College, Cranwell as part of the Portsmouth Military Education Team. He holds a PhD in Modern History from the University of Birmingham. His first book The Development of British Tactical Air Power, 1940-1943: A History of Army Co-operation Command was published by Palgrave Macmillan in 2016. He has published in a wide range of peer-reviewed journals and is a regular TVP World (Poland) and British Forces TV. His current research investigates the relationship between the Air Ministry and the British aircraft industry in the inter-war period.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.